The story
Cresta Palace Celerina delivers authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of St. Moritz, housed within a building that opened in 1906. The Albula railway brought wealth to the Engadine valley, prompting local investors to construct this grand hotel just fourteen months after its founding. Recent renovations restored forty suites to their original Art Nouveau splendor while preserving the structure’s original proportions. Guests now dine in a sunlit winter garden that replaced a former west terrace during a 1990s renovation.
The award-winning Asia 75 kitchen pairs Phonthip “Neng” Boppart and Pricha Chanthon, who balance traditional techniques with precise plating. Neng spent twenty-five years in Switzerland after leaving a ticket booth at Bangkok’s Wat Pho temple, while Pricha draws on his family’s rice farming heritage. Their approach to modern Thai cooking features creamy Gaeng Daeng Goo with shrimp and palm hearts alongside slow-braised Tom Kha Gai seasoned with galangal and fresh coriander. This consistent quality earned the property a thirteen-point rating from Gault&Millau for 2026.
The palace grounds host four distinct dining spaces beyond the main restaurant. Visitors can order rustic Alpine plates at the Chäs-Beizli or enjoy Mediterranean fare at Giacomo’s. The Grand Restaurant itself showcases Belle Époque elegance through restored moldings and expansive windows. Evening service continues across the sun-drenched winter garden, where outdoor tables sit beneath mature trees. Every corner maintains a quiet focus on seasonal ingredients rather than theatrical presentation.
Recognition
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